A NEW link path in the Belfast Hills will make travelling close to the source of the river from which the city derives its name a lot easier, according to the Belfast Hills Partnership.
"Anyone who has undertaken the challenge of having walked from Ligoniel across the Belfast Hills will know that one of the more confusing areas to navigate your way through is the section of Cave Hill Country Park from the Crumlin Road’s Horseshoe bend down into Carr’s Glen," said the Belfast Hills Partnership's Jim Bradley.
The upgraded route improves access from Ligoniel across to Crumlin Road’s Horseshoe bend and down into Carr’s Glen. Instead of a muddy lane, users will be greeted with a gravel path that meanders its way past the newly installed art piece Origin which is part of the Farset Project.
The River Farset has its source in the Belfast Hills and was a vital source of sustenance for the first Belfast settlers and a key attraction for the many foundries and linen mills which flourished here. The river helped to make Belfast an important industrial city which drew many workers from the surrounding countryside and further afield.
The art piece highlights the centrality of the River Farset to the development of the city socially, economically and physically, while reconnecting communities to this rich heritage.
Wildflower meadow creation and new tree planting are due to accompany the new path that will attract wildlife as well as people to the site which boasts some great views across the city.
This project is supported by Heritage Lottery Fund, Alpha landfill tax credits (administered by Ground Work NI) and Belfast City Council through the local Landscape Partnership Scheme.
Ligoniel Dams is an emerging site in the Belfast Hills and it is well worth having a look around at any time of the year.
The Belfast Hills Partnership has Google paths displayed on its excellent website so potential users can take a look around this area before visiting.
Go to: www.belfasthills.org/visiting/ligoniel/.
